Originally Posted by
goose70
IP.S.: Yes, I could try it myself, but I don't really have the time right now and am not sure I trust myself to do it in a way that won't result in my death during the first crit of the season. All of that probably explains why an lbs can charge what it does.
I don't trust many people to glue tubulars. Its not an everday thing at most LBS's, and a lot of kids working in bike shops don't have a lot of experience doing it.
There's only two mechanics at my LBS that I would trust to glue a tubular.
Hence, you're likely safer learning to it yourself right.
The process is really pretty simple, albeit a bit time consuming: Pre stretch the tire by mounting it on a rim without glue; put a light layer of glue on the tire, and a light layer on the rim, let dry, preferably overnight; repeat with another layer on the tire and rim, let dry again. Put a light layer on just the tire, wait a few minutes until its tacky; roll the tire on the rim, center, inflate, wait 24 hours; check by pressing on the sides of the tire that you've got a good bond all the way around; go ride.